Mic 5:1-4a; Ps 79 (80); Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

After having lingered on the figure of the Baptist, on this fourth Sunday of Advent the liturgy focuses our gaze on Mary of Nazareth. They are two central figures of Advent: John, who arouses expectation; Mary, the one in whom the Waited begins to make history. Mary welcomes the Baptist’s invitation to prepare the way of the Lord, to become her way so that he may come among us. The path is that of obedience, which characterizes both the Expected and the one who awaits. The letter to the Hebrews puts on the lips of Jesus the Psalm 40 – “Behold, I come … to do, O God, your will” -; Mary already shares the word of the Son and Elizabeth can proclaim for her the blessedness of those who obey faith in the word of God, and thus recognize their fulfillment in their own lives and in the history of men. Mary becomes the way through which Jesus begins to make his way on human paths, so that all may leap for joy at his meeting. He who will be peace – as Micah announces – is our joy. «Rejoice, rejoice», so Gabriel greeted Mary, who hastens to share the greeting of joy with Elizabeth and with everyone.

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey